Family member of murdered Birmingham Big Issue seller was just 300 metres from scene during fatal stabbing

Big Issue seller Ian Watson-Gladwish who was stabbed in Birmingham City centre. (Picture by Adrian Burrows)

Share

Get daily updates directly to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email

Tragic Big Issue seller Ian Watson-Gladwish – one of two men stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre – was hailed as a “star vendor” by the magazine last night.

The 31-year-old married dad was such a hit with the public that he featured in an article last January as part of a series on top salesmen.

And the piece was accompanied by a series of poignant photos showing him smiling and laughing with customers near Birmingham Cathedral.

The details were revealed as stunned Big Issue staff struggled to come to terms with the deaths of Mr Watson-Gladwish and fellow magazine salesman Wayne Lee Busst.

They died last Friday night after being stabbed in the city centre. John Ward, 23, of no fixed address, appeared before Birmingham magistrates yesterday charged with their murders.

One Big Issue worker told the Mail: “Ian was one of the star vendors.

“He was always very nice company around the office and keen to impress. He got on very well with the public.”

Last night Mr Watson-Gladwish’s family also paid tribute to him. A statement released from police on behalf of his family said: “Ian was a husband, son, brother and dad. He was a kind loving person.

Big Issue sellers Wayne Lee Busst (left) and Ian Watson-Gladwish were stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre.

“To be taken away from us in these circumstances has left us all devastated, we will miss him dearly.

“We would like to thank everybody for their support during this difficult time and request that we a left to grieve in peace. Our sincerest condolences also go out to Wayne’s family. We hope that justice will be done.”

Tributes were also paid by the family of Mr Busst, originally from Castle Bromwich, who also called for witnesses to come forward.

A statement from his family said: “We are deeply saddened by Wayne’s death, he will be greatly missed by all his family and all that knew him.

“We also think of Ian’s family as they share in the grief at this sad time.

“The family would ask any member of the public with information that may assist the Police investigation come forward.” There were also tributes from mourners who left flowers and cards in the city centre in memory of the pair.

One included a message from a Jack, who described himself as Mr Busst’s “little brother”.